A unique gold hunter case watch with experimental escapement that sold for $60,000. Photo: Courtesy of Bonhams.

NEW YORK, NY.-Bonhams announced strong results from its auctions of Masterpieces of American Watchmaking: Rare Watches from a Private Collection," and "Fine Watches and Wristwatches" that took place June 12 in New York.

The larger of the two sales, the 325-lot Masterpieces of American Watchmaking" auction, achieved $1.46 million. It featured watches from an extensive collection that documented the technical history of watch manufacturing in the United States. Representing a lifetime of collecting, the unique assemblage included representations from all periods of watchmaking.

Its leading lot was a Waltham unique gold hunter case watch with experimental escapement which achieved $60,000 (est. $15,000-20,000). Also by Waltham was a fine and very rare 18K gold hunter cased watch with Charles van der Woerd's patent balance that sold well, bringing $22,500 (est. $10,000-15,000). The American Watch Company of Waltham is the most prolific factory of the cradle of American watchmaking" that is Boston.

George P. Reed highlights performed quite well in the sale. A highly innovative 14K gold open face chronometer, No. 5, signed "Improved Chronometer Pat'd Aug. 1, 1865," brought $56,250 (est. $20,000-25,000), while an important 18K gold hunter case "Improved Lever" watch, No. 1, signed "Patent improved lever/1857 & 1864," sold for $32,500 (est. $20,000-25,000). The numerous patents of George P. Reed are evidence of the spirit of innovation and experiment that characterized the developmental period of factory watch production.

The second sale of the day featured 109-lots of Fine Watches and Wristwatches, and brought $570,000. It was led by a 1920s, Art Deco, Cartier rock crystal, mother of pearl, onyx, diamond and coral boudoir clock that achieved $68,750 (est. $15,000-25,000). The clock was from the Estate of Norma Shearer (1902-1983), a popular screen actress from the mid-1920s through the 1930s. Ms. Shearer was nominated for six Academy Awards® and in 1930 she won Best Actress for her role in "The Divorcee."

Decorative watches that were made for the Chinese market performed well in the auction. A superb George Clerke of London, late 18th century watch featuring a finely painted enamel case made in Geneva that depicts Susannah and the Elders brought $60,000 (est. $30,000-35,000). Another key highlight was a Franck Muller reference 7851 platinum tourbillon wristwatch that brought $37,500.

Rounding out the sale was a large selection of vintage Rolex chronographs and sports watches dating from the 1930s through the 1970s. A 1970s Rolex reference 6263 stainless steel chronograph wristwatch and bracelet realized $31,250 (est. $15,000-20,000) and a 1950s Rolex reference 6234 stainless steel chronograph wristwatch brought $27,500 (est. $15,000-20,000). Of particular interest to James Bond fans was a rare Rolex reference 6538 stainless steel automatic center seconds "Big Crown" diver's wristwatch that achieved $23,750. The watch is known as the James Bond Rolex, as a watch of this model was worn by Sean Connery in the film "Dr. No."